Memorandum submitted by the Neonatal Nurses Association
The Neonatal Nurses Association, as a professional organisation representing neonatal nurses, very much welcomes the Report by the National Audit Office. The Report highlights a situation that we recognise and endorse, and feel largely relieved that these issues have now been exposed so that sensible and collective discussion can take place that will finally initiate some resolution.
Those problems in particular, that have been identified around the staffing of neonatal units with appropriate nurses is a chronic problem that has hindered units for a long time. For the first time we have a current national profile that simplistically quantifies the extent of the problem. It is however, a wide and far reaching problem that poses many challenges as it does not lend itself to an overnight quick fix programme. What is needed is an examination of the career structure and the professional, social, and economic issues affecting neonatal nurses specifically, rather than nursing in general.
Much of this and our overall perspective has been elaborated upon by BLISS in their evidence to the Committee of Public Accounts. We have worked closely with them as colleagues and their support and concern about the current situation and the impact it has on babies and their families is reflected in their comments and recent report, Too little, too late? Although we appreciate that there are many and increasing demands for health care, we hope that the proposals made by BLISS and the recommendations from the National Audit Office will be considered as a priority for the benefit of the babies and families we aim to serve.
Executive Committee
Neonatal Nurses Association
February 2008
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